Investing in dental implants is one of the smartest ways to extend optimal function and comfort in your smile. If you have missing teeth it is critical to stabilize that area to avoid further bone loss, and dental implants are one of the best restorative options available to replace missing teeth.

Unlike other types of dental prosthetics, dental implants are stand-alone artificial teeth that support a wide variety of restorations. Just like your natural teeth, properly placed implants, will maintain healthy bone structure in your jaw. Each implant “root” is carefully anchored into your mouth in a way that it can bear even more weight than even the healthiest natural teeth.

Whether you have one missing tooth, or no teeth at all, there is a dental implant option for you. Read on to learn more.

Single Tooth Implant Crowns

Maybe you’re considering a bridge? Instead, why not consider an individual implant and a custom porcelain crown? Rather than reshaping your healthy teeth adjacent to the missing one (in order for the bridge to fit on top,) implants allow you to maintain the full integrity of neighboring teeth thanks to the capabilities of the stand-alone prosthetic.

The individual implant crown is easy to care for and maintain. Simply brush and floss it as if it were a real tooth. In fact, other people may never know that you had a missing tooth to begin with!

Implant Bridges for Multiple Missing Teeth

Let’s say you have three missing teeth right next to each other. You could opt to get a removable partial denture, but the idea of taking something in and out at night just doesn’t set well with you. Sure, it’s okay for other people, but you want an option that isn’t going anywhere. An implant supported dental bridge may be more appropriate.

Each end of the bridge is anchored on top of an implant. So, in theory, you can have two implants to replace three or four teeth. The bridge itself is designed like a traditional bridge that would go over natural teeth, but it can be longer and replace more teeth at one time. And since the implants won’t “wear out” — the way an altered natural tooth would if it were being used to support a bridge — you get more return on your investment.

What About Options for Denture Wearers?

If you are missing all of your teeth and want an option besides placing several implant supported bridges, why not consider a denture that’s stabilized by implants? Depending on your situation, implants can be used to stabilize a removable denture or to anchor a streamlined prosthesis permanently in place.

Removable overdentures typically “snap” onto implants, and are ideal for lower dentures that tend to slip and rock throughout the day. In some cases, the dentist can even retrofit your existing denture for added stability.

With a permanent implant denture, we use precisely placed implants (as few as four of them) to support the weight of an entire arch of teeth. This option makes it easier for you, as a denture wearer, to speak and enjoy your food, as it frees up the space in the roof of your mouth.

“How Do I Know Which Implant Option is Right for Me?”

Not sure where to start? Contact us today to schedule a no-pressure consultation to find out more about the options available.